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“Why announce 10 new enrichment sites when Iran doesn't have a single nuclear power station to use the fuel,” he demandedimposition of new sanctions.

“For Iran to continue to ignore the demands of a great independent agency like the International Atomic Energy Agency is very dangerous,” French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner told the daily Le Figaro.

“Why announce 10 new enrichment sites when Iran doesn't have a single nuclear power station to use the fuel,” he demanded.

In a separate intervie on RTL radio, Kouchner said Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's announcement proved the Iranians were “making fools of themselves” with their “ridiculous” and “fairly childish reponse” to the IAEA.

Defence Minister Herve Morin said Tehran's defiance meant the international community “would probably have to impose new economic sanctions” and dismissed Iranian claims that the nuclear fuel was for civilian power generation.

“The uranium enrichment programmes have no other goal than a military goal,” he told France Inter radio, citing what he said was evidence “from the intelligence services of several countries, notably France.”

Iran has a uranium enrichment centre in Natanz and is building a second outside Qom, despite protests from Western capitals convinced that the Islamic republic is bent on building nuclear weapons.